Steaming vegetables is a simple and fast way to prepare nutritious meals in an Aroma Rice Cooker. This handy kitchen appliance is specifically designed to make cooking your favorite recipes easier. By understanding the basics of how to use an Aroma Rice Cooker, you can enjoy perfectly steamed vegetables in no time!
What is an Aroma Rice Cooker?
An Aroma Rice Cooker is a multi-function kitchen device used to cook rice, steam vegetables and other meals. The device has a removable bowl for cooking and steaming, and can also be used for slow cooking, baking cakes and even simultaneously heating two dishes. It features an easy-to-use digital display panel, a delay timer and a cooking timer that can be set for up to 15 hours.
The Aroma Rice Cooker is designed to be energy efficient and is made with a non-stick inner pot for easy cleaning. It also has a keep-warm function that will keep your food warm for up to 12 hours. The device is also equipped with a steam tray, measuring cup and a serving spatula, making it a great all-in-one kitchen appliance.
Benefits of Steaming Vegetables
Steaming is one of the healthiest ways to prepare vegetables. It helps to retain vital vitamins and minerals while also preserving the natural taste and texture of the vegetables. It also eliminates the need for additional oils, fats or butter. Additionally, steaming is a very energy-efficient cooking method as the vegetables cook quickly.
Steaming vegetables is also a great way to reduce food waste. Since the vegetables are cooked quickly, they are less likely to spoil or go bad before they can be eaten. This makes it a great option for busy households that don’t have time to prepare meals every day.
Preparing the Rice Cooker for Steaming
Before you start steaming vegetables in an Aroma Rice Cooker, it’s important to make sure the bowl is properly prepared. To do this, you’ll need to fill the bowl with water to the designated fill line and insert the steamer rack onto the bowl. If you don’t have a steamer rack, you can use a metal colander instead, but it’s important to ensure the bottom of the colander does not touch the water.
Once the bowl is prepared, you can add the vegetables to the steamer rack or colander. Make sure to spread the vegetables out evenly so they cook evenly. Then, place the lid on the rice cooker and turn it on. Depending on the type of vegetables you are steaming, the cooking time will vary. Check the vegetables periodically to make sure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Types of Vegetables to Steam
You can steam just about any type of vegetables in an Aroma Rice Cooker. Some popular vegetables include broccoli, asparagus, carrots, squash, potatoes, peas and green beans. The vegetables may also be cut into bite-size pieces to speed up the steaming process.
Choosing the Right Amount of Water
The amount of water needed to correctly steam vegetables will vary depending on the type and amount of vegetables you are steaming. Usually two cups of water is enough for an extended period of cooking. It is important to note that it is best to not overfill your Aroma Rice Cooker with water as this can lead to overflowing when steam is released.
Setting the Timer for Optimal Results
Once you have added water and your desired vegetables, it’s time to set the timer on your Aroma Rice Cooker for optimal cooking time. Generally speaking, most vegetables will cook between 15-25 minutes in an Aroma Rice Cooker. If your steamer has a delay timer, you can set the timer ahead of time to allow the vegetables to begin cooking when you’re ready.
Adding Seasonings and Oils for Flavor
If desired, you can spice up your steamed vegetables with flavorings of your choice. Just add seasonings and oil prior to cooking or sprinkle on top of cooked vegetables when done. Popular seasonings include herbs, garlic, onion, salt and pepper. Additionally, you can add soy sauce, hoisin sauce and peanut sauce for added flavor.
Cleaning the Rice Cooker After Use
Once your vegetables are cooked, follow the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning your Aroma Rice Cooker. Be sure to dismantle any parts that come out for easy cleaning, such as the non-stick spoon holder which can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Make sure all surfaces are dry before placing in storage.
Troubleshooting Common Problems with Aroma Rice Cookers
There are a few common issues associated with using an Aroma Rice Cooker which can be easily remedied. If your rice cooker takes longer than expected to cook food, it could mean that too much water was used or that the water was too cold. If your food isn’t cooking evenly, try rearranging it to help distribute heat more evenly. If your food comes out overcooked, this may be an indicator that the timer was set for too long.
